Murder At Raven's Gate by Louise Marlow

Blurb: Beyond the village of Raven’s Edge stands the Gateway to the Dead – a crumbling stone arch marking the site where a long-ago battle raged and the dead were buried where they fell. But it’s the forgotten mansion hidden in the trees behind it that holds the real mystery…

Lady Peony has lived at Blackheath Hall for decades, invisible to the world – until a ghostly soldier begins knocking at her door. But Lady Peony is no fool. In her experience, where there are spirits, there are schemers. And someone wants her out of that house.

As DI Ben Taylor and DS Harriet March begin their investigation, bitter winds howl through Raven’s Edge and strange mists curl around the battle site. Harriet must untangle what’s real from what’s imagined. Is there truly a ghost haunting the old house, or is someone very much alive using supernatural tales as cover for their own deadly agenda?

Review: Murder At Raven's Gate is the fourth book in Marley's English Village Mystery series, and it really is best that you read those first - I didn't, and there were references and flashbacks that left me rather confused.

That said, this is still an outstanding read. It's gothic and slightly spooky, reminding me of The Hound of the Baskervilles in places. And while the trope of someone trying to drive another person mad is old hat in murder mysteries, it feels fresh here. Although you do start to question your own sanity!

DI Ben Taylor and DS Harriet March are both extraordinarily well written characters. Their banter is brilliant, even occasionally funny, which lightens the mood fantastically. Lady Peony isn't a true unreliable character, with that aspect being manipulated, but you're not sure what's real and what isn't for the longest time.

Now excuse me while I go and grab the first three books! Marley definitely has herself a new fan.